The Navy crew members released by China will get a hometown heroes’ welcome, including a giant rally, when they return to Washington’s Whidbey Island tomorrow.

Military brass, politicians and a horde of media will greet the 24 men and women at the naval air station where their reconnaissance squadron is based, about 90 miles from Seattle.

Dignitaries including Pacific fleet commander Adm. Thomas Fargo and Washington Gov. Gary Locke will join thousands of servicemen and women and members of the public.

President Bush or Vice President Dick Cheney may attend the rally, said officials in Oak Harbor, the town closest to the base.

Civilians were getting in on the act, too, planning a patriotic parade and plastering store windows with big, colorful welcome-home posters.

“I did 30 yesterday and I have 20 more on order right now,” said Melody Jones, who supplies the posters to local businesses. “This is really something. It’s going to be a real big thing.”

Oak Harbor has been festooned with yellow ribbons for more than a week. That’s no surprise because half the population is tied to the military.

The local chamber of commerce has even decided to dedicate its April 28 parade, an annual event with a Dutch theme, to the crew.

“We’re making a real grand parade. We want it to be real patriotic,” said Priscilla Heidecker, executive director of the chamber of commerce.

“We’ve requested a flyover from one of the base’s jets. We’re inviting the governor and representatives from the Senate and the House. We’ve even been given an invitation to bring in the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. What’s more American than that?”

Heidecker said the parade was scheduled for the end of the month because the returning crew members are expected to spend only a day or two on the base before going on leave.

Many of the crew are expected to return to their hometowns, where celebrations are also in the works.

The family of Staten Island native Kenneth Richter hasn’t yet decided what kind of party they will throw the 31-year-old code technician if he returns to New York.

City Hall is ready to pitch in when it happens, though.

“We will happily welcome him home in whatever way the family thinks is appropriate,” said Sunny Mindel, a spokeswoman for Mayor Giuliani.